Our team have a depth of experience in defending claims made against companies, directors and officers notified under D&O insurance policies. In addition to defending such claims, our team has advised on D&O policy wordings, policy coverage issues, as well as claims handling for D&O accounts, and acting as monitoring counsel for insurers on D&O matters. This includes both UK and international policies. The types of claims covered have been wide-ranging including not only employment-related claims and claims arising out of a variety of financial transactions, but also potential exposure to liabilities in respect of industrial and construction accidents, environmental and financial services offences, as well as claims against educational institutions, charities, clubs and societies.

In the role of monitoring counsel, the team take a positive and proactive approach to developing and agreeing an effective strategy for defended claims in conjunction with the insured’s own legal team, helping to achieve greater predictability of costs for insurers. The team has also defended contested claims on behalf of insurers where coverage issues have arisen.

In addition to the above, members of the team have experience in assisting and advising directors, officers and LLP partners on their potential liabilities, as well as defending direct claims made against them.

Philip Atkinson has a particular expertise in advising directors and officers on corporate responsibility issues, best practice, and environmental related matters and exposures. We also offer advice to non-executive directors on their role and issues arising from it.